Finish line in sight for the Bill Jacob Athletics Centre upgrade

The highly anticipated upgrade of the Bill Jacob Athletics Centre at Jubilee Park is nearing completion, with a majority of key works now finished and preparation well underway to add the final touches.

The state-of-the-art venue promises to be a game-changer for sport in the Riverina, providing a premier venue for athletes of all abilities and hosting events ranging from regional meets to national competitions.

Manager City Growth & Regional Assets Ben Creighton said while the project was impacted by a series of weather events in late 2024 the contractor has continued to make steady progress and has recovered a majority of the lost time.

“The track itself is now complete with the remaining works being the final installation of the field event cages, and the completion of the electrical works required for the new sportsground lighting,” Mr Creighton noted.

The project is now due for completion in late February.

While the upgraded site was initially proposed for use during the 2025 NSW Touch Southern Conference carnival, Council has decided, in agreement with organisers and stakeholders, to hold the carnival events on adjoining fields.

“In future there will likely be crossover between the Bill Jacob site and Touch Carnival events, and we look forward to the first test of this facility being centred on use of the revitalised athletics amenities,” Mr Creighton said.

Looking ahead, the new facilities will play a key role in supporting local and community wellbeing by encouraging active recreation, while also attracting athletes and officials from further afield via sports tourism events that will contribute much to the local economy.

Funded by the NSW Government in partnership with Council, the facility is scheduled to be formally opened in March 2025, weather and contractor availability permitting during the project’s final stages.